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A timeline of events since Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest
The president is one of the latest to weigh in on the quarterback’s actions
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did not stand during the national anthem during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 26. After the game, Kaepernick stood firm in his decision to choose not to stand for the anthem saying, “I am not looking for approval. I have to stand up for people that are oppressed.”
Since this incident, almost everyone has had a little something to say on the matter. For those of you who have gotten lost in the timeline of these events, let me try to catch you up.
Our own Dominique Foxworth stated that Kaepernick’s protest is just as American as the flag. Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel said she supports Kaepernick’s right to protest. Military veterans spoke out, saying that they fight for the quarterback’s right to protest and started the trending hashtag #VeteransforKaepernick.
Former NBA star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf paved the way for Kaepernick when he chose to protest the national anthem 20 years ago and which he still protests to this day. He shared his support:
“Look at all of what he has to lose by taking this position: his wealth, his endorsements, possible threats, the attacks against his family. He has a lot to lose. As far as I’m concerned, I think it’s more selfless than selfish,” Abdul-Rauf said.
“He’s willing to put all of that on the line because, to him, truth is more important than those things. Justice and equality is more important than those things.”
We’ve also seen the backlash:
https://twitter.com/JerryRice/status/770451825921105920
"I don't commend him for sitting and not honoring this country and our flag." — @TikiBarber on @Kaepernick7 pic.twitter.com/8JeU9WKQZf
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) August 29, 2016
Then Kaepernick put his money where his mouth is. On Sept. 1, just after the 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers, Kaepernick announced that he will donate $1 million to charity.
Who was next?
How about the president of the United States?
That’s right. Barack Obama.
Obama was recently asked about Kaepernick’s silent protest. His reply?
Obama stated that he recognizes that Kaepernick is exercising his constitutional right and is getting the country talking.
“I’d rather have young people who are engaged in the argument and trying to think through how they can be part of our democratic process than people who are sitting on the sidelines not paying attention at all.”
So who is next to talk about this whole Kaepernick situation?
(Channels Dave Chappelle voice in my head.)
Really wondering what ja rule thinks of this whole Kaepernick v anthem situation
— K'Challa (@Kardiac_Kip) September 2, 2016
I need Ja Rule to tell me how I should feel about Colin Kaepernick.
— Tom R Coughlin (@realTomCoughIin) August 30, 2016
i wonder what ja rule's thoughts are on this whole kaepernick situation.
— ivan (@helloimivan) August 30, 2016
W/ this Kaepernick situation arising and all these hot takes coming from everywhere, someone needs to find Ja Rule and let him speak on it
— FlyEaglesFly (@bk17__) August 29, 2016
The latest? U.S. women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe tagged herself in. On Sunday night, she showed solidarity with Kaepernick by kneeling during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner before her Seattle Reign played the Chicago Red Stars in an National Women’s Soccer League game.
According to espnW, after the game, a 2-2 draw, Rapinoe told John D. Halloran of the American Soccer Now website that her action was “a nod to Kaepernick.”
— ❤️NWSL⚽️ (@gbpackfan32) September 5, 2016
Any more takers?
#WhereIsJa